What is a LMPC Certificate?

LMPC certificate is an acronym to Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities certificate that is mandatory for the import of pre-packaged products. As per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009; all importers of pre-packaged items must register themselves under rule 27 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011. Obtaining an LMPC certificate signifies that the pre-packaged goods are handled correctly, and their measurements are reliable and accurate.

The process of registration must be initiated within 90 days of commencement of import operations.

What are the benefits of LMPC Certificate?

Legal Metrology is a science of measurement that covers various aspects related to the trade of measuring instruments, such as weighing machines and thermometers, as well as the regulation of pre-packaged goods measured by weight, number, or measure. Legal metrology plays a significant role in ensuring fair trade practices by providing consumers with accurate information on the weight, price, and expiry date of pre-packaged goods.

Legal metrology has several crucial aspects that highlight its importance in modern trade:

Removal of Disputes and Promotion of Trade

Legal metrology regulations ensure that consumers of the commodities receive the exact weight or measure of the product that they purchase. Additionally, LMPC Certificate confirms adherence to international standards and the use of authentic measuring instruments also contribute to the promotion of trade. This indeed promotes fair trade practices and eliminates disputes.

Precise Inventory Management

Accurate measurement of commodities helps manufacturers / importers / packers maintain an exact structure of available inventory, leading to better stock control, lesser fraudulent activities, and higher efficiency in stock management systems.

Collection of Government Revenues

The collection of taxes (GST) and customs duties is an essential source of government revenue, with taxes (GST) imposed on products manufactured within the country and customs duty applied to goods imported from other countries. The accurate weighing of goods also aids proper collection of these duties by the government.

Documents Required for obtaining LMPC Certificate

For Manufacturer/Packer of Packaged Commodities

PAN card of the firm/ Proprietor
Registered Address: Certificate of registration of Industry/ Registration under Shops and Establishments Act/ Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body.
Constitution Type: Authentic document regarding Proprietorship/ Partnership deed/ Certificate of registration of Company along with list of directors (in case of Pvt. Ltd or Ltd firm) / Certificate of registration of Company along with list of Partners ( in case of Limited Liabilities Partnership) /List of Committee member ( in case of Society) / Responsible Person (in case of Government).
Manufacturing / Packing Premises: Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body

For Importer of Packaged Commodities

PAN card of the firm/ Proprotor
Registered Address: Certificate of registration of Industry/ Registration under Shops and Establishments Act/ Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body.
Constitution Type: Authentic document regarding Proprietorship/ Partnership deed/ Certificate of registration of Company along with list of directors (in case of Pvt. Ltd or Ltd firm) / Certificate of registration of Company along with list of Partners ( in case of Limited Liabilities Partnership) /List of Committee member ( in case of Society) / Responsible Person (in case of Government).
Import Premises: Authentic document issued by Government or Local Body
Import Export Code (IEC) Copy

What is the process for application of LMPC Certificate?

The process for LMPC registration is as below:

Documentation

  • Prepare all the documents depending on the type of LMPC Registration i.e. Manufacturer or Importe

Submission

  • Submission of application with all the documents before the State Legal metrology Department

Review

  • After submitting the application, the registering authority will review the documents. This review takes around 20-35 days.

Grant of Certificate

  • After the application is reviewed, the authority will grant the certificate
Frequently Asked Questions

All you need to know before applying for LMPC Registration:

An LMPC certificate is a certificate issued to importers or manufacturers of pre-packaged commodities to ensure compliance with the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules.

Any importer or manufacturer of pre-packaged commodities must obtain an LMPC certificate before selling their products in India.

You can apply for an LMPC certificate by submitting an application to the Department of Legal Metrology in your state along with the required documents and fees.

The documents required for LMPC certification may vary depending on the type of product and the state where the application is being submitted. Generally, the required documents include a copy of the Import Export Code, the invoice or bill of entry, and the product label or packaging.

The validity period of an LMPC certificate is generally one year, after which it must be renewed.

Selling pre-packaged commodities without an LMPC certificate is a violation of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules and can result in fines of up to Rs. 4,000. Additionally, the products may be seized and the importer or manufacturer may be barred from selling products in India in the future.

Yes, it is mandatory to obtain an LMPC certificate for all types of pre-packaged commodities that are sold in India, including food products, cosmetics, and household items.

The time required to obtain an LMPC certificate may vary depending on the state where the application is submitted and the completeness of the application. Generally, it takes about 30-45 days to process an LMPC application.

The cost of obtaining an LMPC certificate may vary depending on the state and the type of product being certified. Generally, the fees range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees.

No, it is illegal to sell pre-packaged commodities without an LMPC certificate. You can only sell your products after you have obtained the LMPC certificate.

Selling pre-packaged commodities without an LMPC certificate is a violation of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules and can result in fines and penalties. Additionally, the products may be seized and the importer or manufacturer may be barred from selling products in India in the future.

Yes, you need to obtain a separate LMPC certificate for each product that you sell. The certificate is specific to the product and cannot be used for other products.

Under the Legal Metrology Act 2009, Legal Metrology for Prepacked Commodities makes it compulsory that every seller, manufacturer, or importer obtain LMPC Registration. Additionally, It ensures all pre-packed goods in India carry mandatory declarations like – MRP, net quantity, manufacture/packing date, and importer details. This not only promotes transparency, consumer protection, but also ensures compliance with packaging regulations.

Yes. if you have EPR Registration, you must still apply for LMPC i.e. Legal Metrology for Prepacked Commodities if you sell or import prepacked goods in India. EPR ensures environmental compliance for waste management, while LMPC ensures correct labeling, packaging, and quantity declarations under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) Registration ensures that all pre-packaged goods comply with labeling norms under Legal Metrology Rules. If the prepacked goods imported are meant to be sold domestically, then LMPC Registration is a must. However, under Advance Authorisation License, duty free raw materials are used to manufacture an export product. Therefore, LMPC is majorly not required for goods imported under Advance License.

LMPC Registration is required if the imported goods are pre-packaged commodities meant for sale, distribution, or use as consumer goods in India. Under EPCG Scheme, capital goods are imported duty free and installed in the exporter’s premises. If the exporter is selling the goods manufactured using the same capital goods imported under EPCG, then LMPC will be required. If the manufactured goods are meant for exports only, then LMPC is not required.

LMPC and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) are two separate compliances — LMPC governs packaging declarations and labeling, while EPR governs waste management and recycling obligations. Importers of electronics, plastics, or batteries must comply with both LMPC and EPR regulations.

AEO T1 status helps importers with faster Customs clearance, but it doesn’t exempt them from LMPC requirements. Holding a valid LMPC Registration ensures complete compliance under the Legal Metrology Act, helping maintain credibility during Customs or audit checks.

Yes. AEO T2 certified companies are recognized for their strong compliance systems. Obtaining and maintaining LMPC Registration for packaged imports further demonstrates their regulatory adherence and enhances risk management scores with Customs.

Absolutely. Even at the highest AEO T3 level, LMPC Registration remains mandatory if the company imports, distributes, or sells pre-packaged commodities in India. AEO T3 focuses on supply chain security and facilitation, while LMPC ensures consumer protection through labeling compliance.

More questions? Seek help of our experts

Call us at:

+91 9712208008

Email us:

mars@eximdoc.com

Why Choose us?

Recognised by Government of India

1500+ Happy Customers Pan India

ISO Certified

Data Security and Trust

Trained and Professional Experts

On-time Service

24x7 Platform

Reasonable Prices

MSME Registered

logo